AAP writes: This football game is almost a footnote in what is sure to be an emotional day in Newcastle with this match the centre piece of the Rise For Alex round. But the Knights can keep their slim finals hopes alive here with a win. It will be interesting to see how the Titans respond to the club’s declaration that it will conduct a full audit of its football department in response to its continued failings this season. An audit that appears to spell the beginning of the end for coach John Cartwright. Kevin Gordon moves to fullback with Will Zillman and David Mead (both hamstring) sidelined for the visitors. Anthony Don moves onto the wing.

Key: Alex McKinnon. The Knights thumped Cronulla 30-0 a week after the back-rower was injured against Melbourne. Given the nature of the afternoon this game could see a similar scoreline in McKinnon’s first time back at Hunter Stadium since suffering his injury.